Lake Macquarie History

Storm stories : June long weekend 2007

On Friday, 8th of June 2007, severe storm warnings were issued by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. These warnings followed the development of an intense east coast low pressure system off the New South Wales Coast during the previous night. Over the next 36 hours Lake Macquarie was battered by the system's strong winds and torrential rain, causing extensive flooding, damage, and the grounding of MV Pasha Bulker off Nobby's Beach

The New South Wales Premier, Morris Iemma, declared a natural disaster for the affected areas. Rainfall exceeded 300 mm (12 in) in the Hunter region and 200 mm (8 in) in parts of the Central Coast and Sydney. Nearly 6,000 State Emergency Service volunteers, including crews from across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Victoria worked in the effected areas, having responded to over 10,000 calls for assistance.

Lake Macquarie Storm Stories is a valuable series which records the events, the responses and the City's renewal. These personal accounts from residents, business owners and Council Staff provide a unique insight into the effects of the devastating storms of the June long weekend.

Lake Macquarie City Council sincerely thanks the people who contributed their stories.

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

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